Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association asks city for mask exemption on ice
No masks, no skating — that's the rule at the City of Saskatoon's indoor rinks.
Masks are required for people off and on the ice.
The Saskatoon Minor Hockey Association (SMHA) has its own masking requirements, which came into effect on Thursday. The organization only disagrees with the city on one point.
In a letter to the city, the SMHA asked for an exemption from masks while athletes, referees and coaches participate "on the ice surface."
"Masks would still be required by all at all other times in [city] arenas — in the common areas, in washrooms, in dressing rooms and for coaches on the benches during games," said Kelly Boes, executive director of the SMHA in the letter.
He has asked to speak at the city's next planning, development and community services committee meeting on Monday. According to Boes his request has been approved.
He said he is worried wearing masks during games might result in injuries like concussions.
"The masks inhibit the peripheral vision, looking down at the feet," he said in an interview with CBC.
"If a kid is looking down at his feet for an extra split second or second, he could end up taking a big hit because his head is down and doesn't see the opponent coming."
Mask experience on the ice last year and at other rinks
The SMHA used masks last year, Boes said, but at that time kids were playing with no close contact or competition.
He said a mask exemption on the ice would be more consistent with policies at other rinks.
In Regina, for example, players and referees are not required to wear masks "while participating in physical activity," according to the City of Regina.
Minor hockey players also don't need to wear masks on the ice at the University of Saskatchewan's Merlis Belsher Place, Boes said.
Other privately operated arenas in Saskatoon "do not have a mask policy in place — on or off the ice," he said in his letter.
Wet masks
Masks on the ice also have other disadvantages, according to SMHA's executive director.
Last season wearing masks while skating was not a comfortable experience for the young players because the masks would get wet, he said.
"If the rink is cold enough that wetness becomes frozen and now you're trying to breathe through ice."
Boes said he is concerned about the current climb of COVID-19 numbers in Saskatchewan. However, he still thinks it's important to let children have fun playing hockey.
"If we go into two years of kids being eliminated from playing sports or not enjoying it and quitting, the effect on long term, I have no idea what it will be, but it won't be good for our community or for society," said Boes.